A Thankful Woman's Journey...

It is important that I remember to put aside my personal agenda in my leadership role in education. I can either choose to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. I choose the latter. Each day that I am blessed to show up to work, my primary role is to serve. This leadership style is often referred to as servant leadership. My first obligation, of course is to our students. A friend shared an article from "Today God is First" article. It has provided me with insight for my role as an educator Has God called you to stand for a cause bigger than yourself? You will have opposition to His call; sometimes it even comes from those in your own camp. But if God has called you, then you can be sure He will make a way. He has already opened the way before you. But you must walk in faith, joined with Him to take the land. "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Jos...

I met Bill and Judy during my travels from Dallas to Vernon, Texas. This lovely couple were owners of the Curiosity Shop. During these trips I enjoyed their friendship and advice. Judy always told me to slow down and to remember that the best things in life were free. Twelve years after meeting this loving couple, I finally got it. Friendhips, family and a warm embrace from a new love are all free. The smile from an angelic baby is free. A huge from a loved one free. These are only a few of the special things we sometimes take for granted. It is these special moments with family and friends that I now realize that the best things in life are indeed free. Thanks Judy.

When I placed one of Mother's quilts under the tree, I knew Cheyene would discover this space. Well, after only 24 hours, she spotted the quilt and found a comfortable spot for herself.  Merry Christmas my Boo.

I have been taking allergy shots for over 10 years.  Since I arrived at Cedar Valley College, allergies have almost controlled my health.  This is the first fall in over six years that I did not spend my day coughing and sneezing.  Thank God for cold weather.

Tonight, I finally let go of a baby I never held or knew was forming in my body. For three decades I kept the hospital stationery and the letter written to the State Medical Board complaining about a doctor who took away any last chance I had to have a child. All was lost...my baby, any future chances of a giving birth and a marriage. Tonight, ohnmy God, I forgave and let go. I want to live in the here and now...not the past. Why did it take so long to simply let go. The god news is that I have and I will live.

It is that time of year to plan my garden. I am ready to witness the secrets and beauty of nature. This year, I will plant okra, maybe corn, squash and greens. Herbs will be planted in pots on the patio.

Once I adjust to the transition between winter and spring it is smooth sailing. The earlier stages of spring always place me in a state of wondering what to wear to either stay warm or cool. It also introduces weeds, storm and allergies. Once the adjustment to this stage is made, I am enjoying birds singing, the smell of flowers and of course watching young plants break through the earth in my garden. Welcome back spring. I will definitely enjoy this season before the onset of Texas burning summer heat.

The the first time in the history of my career in the Dallas County Community District, I have had three says off from work due to the ice storm which pasted through the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroples on Tuesday morning. No complaints on this ennd. I needes the rest and we are conserving energy.

What is the definition for family and community?  Are both the individuals and groups who are there with you through the good and bad?  Could it be that they are those who keep taking you in no matter how many times you leave home and return?  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.

Spring  garden 2012 has surfaced.  There is nothing so beautiful as God's work and my labor.  The rain from Tuesday's tornadoes were helpful also.

In  addition to vegetables this spring, flowers will also add to the beauty of my backyard scene.  Nature...what a gift.  I also hear birds singing.

I am alive again and painting.I am painting not to make money, just to live and enjoy life.

Here are two vintage sewing machines from the 1950's and 1960's. The small black sewing machine is a Singer Featherweight.  One of Singer's most popular sewing machines from the 1960's was the slant-o-matic, also called the Rocketeer.  Both machines create perfect straight stitches and are used to sew crafts.

The early morning showers are given life to my garden. This is a picture of week number three.

This week I had surgery on my back. I delayed surgery for a time when most of my task at work were covered. Today I realized that once again I placed work and others in front of my health. This was insane and will never happen again. For thirty years, I sacrifice health for work. God has given me another opportunity to get it right. There is order to life and it does not start with work.

Several years ago I met a special neighbor who was extremely private. The one connection we made was with our two animals. This special woman was also in love with God. She suffered an extremely long illness and left a void in our neighborhood when she left this earth on August 1, 2012. There have been moments when I thought that maybe I should have extended an invitation for her to share a cup of tea or just share general conversations. There were other moments when I was relieved that I took a chance and knocked on her door just to ask if she was ok. I discovered that this special woman was ill. She and I were both ill during the same span of spring and summer months. I will keep the memory of purchasing a plant for her and sharing that special moment when we both exchanged smiles. That plant is still in front of her door with the collections of other plants. Her house appears to be the same. There is, however, one thing that has changed. My dear sweet neighbor is...

Allow me to share a passage given to years ago by a friend. I keep these words close by to remind me about the greatness of my creator. Credit is given to Nelson Mandella Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the glory of God within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we consciously give other people permission t do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Stay blessed...Signig off for today.